More than 1,300 people have lost their lives across Thailand, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka as severe floods devastate communities. Heavy rains, landslides, and overflowing rivers have displaced thousands and damaged critical infrastructure. Rescue teams continue battling harsh conditions to reach affected regions.


Over 1,300 Killed in Thailand, Indonesia & Sri Lanka Due to Floods

Satellite images captured devastation in the South Asian countries after storms brought entire provinces to a standstill. The death toll in the countries is nearing 1,200 in the four affected nations.

Satellite images captured devastation in the South Asian countries after storms brought entire provinces to a standstill. The death toll in the countries is nearing 1,200 in the four affected nations.

Satellite images show devastation caused by floods across Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand

As South and South East Asia face one of their deadliest weeks of weather destruction in years, the death toll from the floods and landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains and a tropical storm has killed more than 900 people across Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand, according to reports. Hundreds are still missing as rescue crews struggle to reach communities cut off by collapsed bridges, blocked roads and rising water.<h2>Sri Lanka death toll</h2>In Sri Lanka, on Sunday, authorities said that at least 334 people are dead after Cyclone Ditwah swept across the island. Colombo’s low-lying neighbourhoods, said authorities. Nearly 150,000 people have been displaced by the worst natural disaster to hit the island in nearly two decades.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-reels-after-floods-ravage-island-killing-hundreds-1764498110634">Indonesia reels after floods ravage island, killing hundreds</a>Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a state of emergency and appealed for global support. He promised to rebuild, saying, "We are facing the largest and most challenging natural disaster in our history." In an address to the nation, he added, "Certainly, we will build a better nation than what existed before."<h2>Indonesia toll</h2>Across the sea in Indonesia, the damage is just as immense. More than 442 people are confirmed dead, 402 remain missing, and large parts of Sumatra are still unreachable. Survivors describe water rising through homes in minutes, leaving families with no time to gather anything beyond the clothes they wore while fleeing. Talking to Reuters, one woman identified as Afrianti said, "The water just rose up into the house, and we were afraid, so we fled. Then we came back on Friday, and the house was gone, destroyed."With at least two areas of Sumatra island still unreachable on Sunday, authorities said two warships have been sent from Jakarta to deliver aid to the worst-hit zones. Videos online show residents wading waist-deep through black water to reach supplies inside damaged convenience stores. Talking to AP, police spokesperson Ferry Walintukan said there were reports of people breaking into shops on Saturday evening. "The looting happened before logistical aid arrived," he said, adding they "didn’t know that aid would come and were worried they would starve."<h2>Thailand toll</h2>Thailand has reported 162 deaths. Compensation has been announced for grieving families, but amid growing criticism over Thailand's flood response, two officials have been suspended for alleged negligence.

More than 900 people have died in devastating monsoon floods and landslides across Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand. Sri Lanka alone has reported 334 deaths, Indonesia 442 with hundreds missing, and Thailand 162. Rescue efforts continue.

As South and South East Asia face one of their deadliest weeks of weather destruction in years, the death toll from the floods and landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains and a tropical storm has killed more than 900 people across Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand, according to reports. Hundreds are still missing as rescue crews struggle to reach communities cut off by collapsed bridges, blocked roads and rising water. Sri Lanka death toll In Sri Lanka, on Sunday, authorities said that at least 334 people are dead after Cyclone Ditwah swept across the island. Colombo’s low-lying neighbourhoods, said authorities. Nearly 150,000 people have been displaced by the worst natural disaster to hit the island in nearly two decades. Also read | Indonesia reels after floods ravage island, killing hundreds Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a state of emergency and appealed for global support. He promised to rebuild, saying, "We are facing the largest and most challenging natural disaster in our history." In an address to the nation, he added, "Certainly, we will build a better nation than what existed before." Indonesia toll Across the sea in Indonesia, the damage is just as immense. More than 442 people are confirmed dead, 402 remain missing, and large parts of Sumatra are still unreachable. Survivors describe water rising through homes in minutes, leaving families with no time to gather anything beyond the clothes they wore while fleeing. Talking to Reuters, one woman identified as Afrianti said, "The water just rose up into the house, and we were afraid, so we fled. Then we came back on Friday, and the house was gone, destroyed." With at least two areas of Sumatra island still unreachable on Sunday, authorities said two warships have been sent from Jakarta to deliver aid to the worst-hit zones. Videos online show residents wading waist-deep through black water to reach supplies inside damaged convenience stores. Talking to AP, police spokesperson Ferry Walintukan said there were reports of people breaking into shops on Saturday evening. "The looting happened before logistical aid arrived," he said, adding they "didn’t know that aid would come and were worried they would starve." Thailand toll Thailand has reported 162 deaths. Compensation has been announced for grieving families, but amid growing criticism over Thailand's flood response, two officials have been suspended for alleged negligence.

More than 900 people have died in devastating monsoon floods and landslides across Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand. Sri Lanka alone has reported 334 deaths, Indonesia 442 with hundreds missing, and Thailand 162. Rescue efforts continue.

Asia’s monsoon apocalypse: Over 900 dead, hundreds missing across Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand | Cyclone Ditwah

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has evacuated more than 55 people, including four infants and six critically injured patients, from the landslide- and flood-affected areas in Sri Lanka in a dramatic rescue operation. Mi17 helicopters operating under “Operation Sagar Bandhu” airlifted stranded tourists and locals from the Kotmale region to safety in Colombo. Among those rescued were citizens of 10 countries, notably one Pakistani and three Bangladeshi nationals.&nbsp;“A Garud commando was winched down to guide the group through cross-country route to a pre-briefed helipad at Kotmale, from where 24 passengers, including Indians, foreign nationals, and Sri Lankans, were evacuated to Colombo,” an IAF statement said.&nbsp;In restricted and forested terrain where helicopters could not land directly, the elite Garud commando established contact with the stranded group and led them on foot to a clearing suitable for helicopter operations. The rescues took place in two main legs. In the first sortie, 24 passengers and three critical casualties were flown to Colombo Port and hospitals. The second sortie evacuated 21 passengers, including four infants, and another three critically injured patients.&nbsp;Officials confirmed the breakdown of nationalities: 14 Sri Lankans, 12 Indians, six Belarusians, five Iranians, four South Africans, three Poles, three Bangladeshis, two Germans, two Slovenians, two Britons, one Australian, and one Pakistani. Earlier in the day, the same Indian helicopters had airlifted five teams of Sri Lankan Army personnel, 40 troops in total, from Diyathalawa Army Camp to the affected area to assist with ground relief and road-clearing operations.&nbsp;The operation marks another instance of India providing rapid disaster response assistance to its neighbours under its “Neighbourhood First” policy. While India frequently assists Sri Lanka during natural calamities, the evacuation of Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals alongside Indians and Western tourists shows the purely humanitarian nature of the mission.&nbsp;More than 150 people are now confirmed dead, and scores remain missing after heavy rains due to Cyclone Ditwah triggered landslides and floods across the country. India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to provide support to Sri Lanka, with Indian warships carrying 6.5 tonnes of rations and IAF aircraft transporting 21 tonnes of aid plus 80 NDRF rescuers.

In restricted and forested terrain where helicopters could not land directly, the elite Garud commando established contact with the stranded group and led them on foot to a clearing suitable for helicopter operations.

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has evacuated more than 55 people, including four infants and six critically injured patients, from the landslide- and flood-affected areas in Sri Lanka in a dramatic rescue operation. Mi17 helicopters operating under “Operation Sagar Bandhu” airlifted stranded tourists and locals from the Kotmale region to safety in Colombo. Among those rescued were citizens of 10 countries, notably one Pakistani and three Bangladeshi nationals. “A Garud commando was winched down to guide the group through cross-country route to a pre-briefed helipad at Kotmale, from where 24 passengers, including Indians, foreign nationals, and Sri Lankans, were evacuated to Colombo,” an IAF statement said. In restricted and forested terrain where helicopters could not land directly, the elite Garud commando established contact with the stranded group and led them on foot to a clearing suitable for helicopter operations. The rescues took place in two main legs. In the first sortie, 24 passengers and three critical casualties were flown to Colombo Port and hospitals. The second sortie evacuated 21 passengers, including four infants, and another three critically injured patients. Officials confirmed the breakdown of nationalities: 14 Sri Lankans, 12 Indians, six Belarusians, five Iranians, four South Africans, three Poles, three Bangladeshis, two Germans, two Slovenians, two Britons, one Australian, and one Pakistani. Earlier in the day, the same Indian helicopters had airlifted five teams of Sri Lankan Army personnel, 40 troops in total, from Diyathalawa Army Camp to the affected area to assist with ground relief and road-clearing operations. The operation marks another instance of India providing rapid disaster response assistance to its neighbours under its “Neighbourhood First” policy. While India frequently assists Sri Lanka during natural calamities, the evacuation of Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals alongside Indians and Western tourists shows the purely humanitarian nature of the mission. More than 150 people are now confirmed dead, and scores remain missing after heavy rains due to Cyclone Ditwah triggered landslides and floods across the country. India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to provide support to Sri Lanka, with Indian warships carrying 6.5 tonnes of rations and IAF aircraft transporting 21 tonnes of aid plus 80 NDRF rescuers.

In restricted and forested terrain where helicopters could not land directly, the elite Garud commando established contact with the stranded group and led them on foot to a clearing suitable for helicopter operations.

Indian Air Force evacuates over 50 people from flood-hit Sri Lanka, including Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals

&nbsp;Heavy rains triggered floods and landslides across Sri Lanka this week, claiming the lives of at least 33 people with 14 others missing, officials said on Thursday. In a statement released by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) of Sri Lanka confirmed that most of the deaths took place in the central tea-growing district of Badulla, where 16 people were buried alive after mountain slopes crashed onto their homes overnight.&nbsp;Additionally, four others died similarly in the adjoining Nuwara Eliya district, and the remaining deaths were discovered somewhere else. Meanwhile, around 400 homes were damaged in mudslides, and more than 1,100 families moved to temporary shelters, according to a report by the news agency AFP.<h3>Rising water level in Sri Lanka</h3>The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said river levels were rising across Sri Lanka and urged people in low-lying regions to move to safer ground. It noted that while the country is in its northeast monsoon period, the rainfall has intensified because of a depression to the island’s east. In response to the severe weather, the government of Sri Lanka halted final-year school exams nationwide for two days.&nbsp;Rainfall of more than 100 millimetres is expected across Sri Lanka, with northeastern areas likely to receive up to 250 millimetres on Thursday. The weather-related toll this week is the worst since June last year, when 26 people died in heavy rains. Another 17 people were killed in flooding and landslides in December.&nbsp;Sri Lanka relies on monsoon rains for irrigation and hydropower, but experts warn that climate change is making extreme flooding more frequent.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Centre and other regional authorities have been directed to take all required precautions, including early evacuations. Officials also requested the public to secure property, avoid flooded roads, and remain inside their houses for possible landslides, falling trees, and sudden surges in water levels.

Rainfall of more than 100 millimetres is expected across Sri Lanka, with northeastern areas likely to receive up to 250 millimetres on Thursday. The weather-related toll this week is the worst since June last year, when 26 people died in heavy rains.

Heavy rains triggered floods and landslides across Sri Lanka this week, claiming the lives of at least 33 people with 14 others missing, officials said on Thursday. In a statement released by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) of Sri Lanka confirmed that most of the deaths took place in the central tea-growing district of Badulla, where 16 people were buried alive after mountain slopes crashed onto their homes overnight. Additionally, four others died similarly in the adjoining Nuwara Eliya district, and the remaining deaths were discovered somewhere else. Meanwhile, around 400 homes were damaged in mudslides, and more than 1,100 families moved to temporary shelters, according to a report by the news agency AFP. Rising water level in Sri Lanka The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said river levels were rising across Sri Lanka and urged people in low-lying regions to move to safer ground. It noted that while the country is in its northeast monsoon period, the rainfall has intensified because of a depression to the island’s east. In response to the severe weather, the government of Sri Lanka halted final-year school exams nationwide for two days. Rainfall of more than 100 millimetres is expected across Sri Lanka, with northeastern areas likely to receive up to 250 millimetres on Thursday. The weather-related toll this week is the worst since June last year, when 26 people died in heavy rains. Another 17 people were killed in flooding and landslides in December. Sri Lanka relies on monsoon rains for irrigation and hydropower, but experts warn that climate change is making extreme flooding more frequent. Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Centre and other regional authorities have been directed to take all required precautions, including early evacuations. Officials also requested the public to secure property, avoid flooded roads, and remain inside their houses for possible landslides, falling trees, and sudden surges in water levels.

Rainfall of more than 100 millimetres is expected across Sri Lanka, with northeastern areas likely to receive up to 250 millimetres on Thursday. The weather-related toll this week is the worst since June last year, when 26 people died in heavy rains.

Sri Lanka floods, landslides kill at least 33; over dozens missing as heavy rains pound island — What next?

Heavy monsoon rains in Sri Lanka have killed at least nine people as the monsoon season kicked off in the emerald country.&nbsp;

Reports said at least 38,000 people have been affected by the rains and storms which have lashed central and south Sri Lanka.

The government has put relief&nbsp;agencies on the ground as the size of the disaster has overwhelmed the country.

A spokesman for the disaster management said flooding has forced the evacuation of people in low-lying areas where four main rivers have reached flood levels, while four districts are on "red alert" for possible landslides.

Spill gates of many reservoirs had to be opened across the Indian Ocean island, Reuters reported.

Sri Lanka had lost over 600,000 due to floods last year. 
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Reports said at least 38,000 people have been affected by the rains and storms which have lashed central and south Sri Lanka.

Heavy monsoon rains in Sri Lanka have killed at least nine people as the monsoon season kicked off in the emerald country. Reports said at least 38,000 people have been affected by the rains and storms which have lashed central and south Sri Lanka. The government has put relief agencies on the ground as the size of the disaster has overwhelmed the country. A spokesman for the disaster management said flooding has forced the evacuation of people in low-lying areas where four main rivers have reached flood levels, while four districts are on "red alert" for possible landslides. Spill gates of many reservoirs had to be opened across the Indian Ocean island, Reuters reported. Sri Lanka had lost over 600,000 due to floods last year.

Heavy floods, landslides in Sri Lanka; at least 9 killed

The Indian Navy has joined rescue operations in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. 
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Indian Navy diving and medical teams joined rescue efforts of Sri Lankan authorities in flood-hit regions as the death toll in the country&#39;s worst torrential rains since 2003 climbed today to 193. 
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The Indian contingent of more than 300 navy personnel was assisting in the relief, with divers searching the brackish waters and medical teams seeing patients in makeshift tents set up at shelters.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HADRSriLanka?src=hash">#HADRSriLanka</a> <a href="https://t.co/zQsmlCQyxX">pic.twitter.com/zQsmlCQyxX</a>
&mdash; SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy/status/869552516035362817">May 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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INS Shardul has nearly 200 personnel on board, including specialised rescue, diving and medical teams, as well as a large amount of relief material and Gemini inflatable boats. 
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INS &#39;Kirch&#39; was carrying 125 personnel. It had diving teams, relief supplies, inflatable gemini boats and a mobile medical team. 
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A third Indian naval ship arrived yesterday, bringing relief supplies including rice, lentils, sugar, milk and blankets for the displaced. 
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&quot;Secy to President of SL and SL Navy chief receiving symbolically the relief material on board the 3rd relief and rescue ship INS Jalashwa,&quot; the High Commission of India in Colombo tweeted. 
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The disaster is described as one of the worst-ever calamities since the 2003 floods. 
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The official death toll was at 193, with another 94 people listed as missing, the Colombo Gazette reported. 
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Following India&#39;s lead in sending out emergency relief to Sri Lanka, more countries have started pledging assistance to provide relief to the flood victims. 
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INS Sumitra is involved in a major Search and Rescue (SAR) operation 90 miles south of Bangladesh&#39;s Chittagong. 
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18 people have been rescued till now and the operation is still in progress. 
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The people trapped had been blown away from shore and coastal dwelling units due to Cyclone Mora. 
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Massive evacuation is underway in Bangladesh as severe cyclonic storm &#39;Mora&#39; hit Chittagong yesterday. 
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The severe cyclonic storm MORA over northeast&nbsp;and adjoining east central Bay of Bengal moved further north-northeastward with a speed of 28 kmph, and lay centred at 0230 hrs IST yesterday. 
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The Indian Navy on Monday had said that it has kept its Eastern Fleet ships at the highest level of readiness to render assistance to Bangladesh if required.&nbsp;

(Agencies) 
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The Indian contingent of more than 300 navy personnel was assisting in the relief in Sri Lanka

The Indian Navy has joined rescue operations in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Indian Navy diving and medical teams joined rescue efforts of Sri Lankan authorities in flood-hit regions as the death toll in the country's worst torrential rains since 2003 climbed today to 193. The Indian contingent of more than 300 navy personnel was assisting in the relief, with divers searching the brackish waters and medical teams seeing patients in makeshift tents set up at shelters. #HADRSriLanka pic.twitter.com/zQsmlCQyxX — SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) May 30, 2017 × INS Shardul has nearly 200 personnel on board, including specialised rescue, diving and medical teams, as well as a large amount of relief material and Gemini inflatable boats. INS 'Kirch' was carrying 125 personnel. It had diving teams, relief supplies, inflatable gemini boats and a mobile medical team. A third Indian naval ship arrived yesterday, bringing relief supplies including rice, lentils, sugar, milk and blankets for the displaced. "Secy to President of SL and SL Navy chief receiving symbolically the relief material on board the 3rd relief and rescue ship INS Jalashwa," the High Commission of India in Colombo tweeted. The disaster is described as one of the worst-ever calamities since the 2003 floods. The official death toll was at 193, with another 94 people listed as missing, the Colombo Gazette reported. Following India's lead in sending out emergency relief to Sri Lanka, more countries have started pledging assistance to provide relief to the flood victims. INS Sumitra is involved in a major Search and Rescue (SAR) operation 90 miles south of Bangladesh's Chittagong. 18 people have been rescued till now and the operation is still in progress. The people trapped had been blown away from shore and coastal dwelling units due to Cyclone Mora. Massive evacuation is underway in Bangladesh as severe cyclonic storm 'Mora' hit Chittagong yesterday. The severe cyclonic storm MORA over northeast and adjoining east central Bay of Bengal moved further north-northeastward with a speed of 28 kmph, and lay centred at 0230 hrs IST yesterday. The Indian Navy on Monday had said that it has kept its Eastern Fleet ships at the highest level of readiness to render assistance to Bangladesh if required. (Agencies)

Indian Navy joins rescue operations in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh

The death toll from Sri Lanka&rsquo;s floods and landslides climbed top 180&nbsp;on Monday, &nbsp;the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said. 
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The number increased with the discovery of more bodies of people buried in landslides, the DMC said. 
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The DMC further said that 104 people were still listed as missing and that another 88 remained in hospital. 
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Half a million Sri Lankans have been displaced by the island&#39;s worst flooding in more than a decade. 
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The air force has deployed a dozen aircraft for mercy missions to evacuate marooned villagers as well as carry food and other essentials to the affected areas. 
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The government said relief operations had intensified over the weekend following a break in the monsoon rains. 
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However, the meteorological department said it expected more rain on Monday and Tuesday that could hamper relief operations. 
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Floodwaters were receding in the worst affected districts of Ratnapura and Kalutara but the authorities said cleaning up operations could take weeks. 
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Nearly 2,000 houses were damaged or destroyed. 
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Sri Lanka has sought international assistance, with India sending two naval ships laden with supplies over the weekend. 
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The Indian military has deployed helicopters, boats and amphibious vehicles to distribute aid pouring in from residents in areas unaffected by the floods. 
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The flooding is the worst since May 2003 when 250 people were killed and 10,000 homes destroyed after a similarly powerful monsoon, officials said.

(WION with inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

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Floods in Sri Lanka have killed more than 140 people as relief and rescue teams worked to help the half a million people affected by the worst torrential rains since 2003 (WION)
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Friday's deluge also caused the island's worst flooding in 14 years and drove nearly half a million people out of their homes

The death toll from Sri Lanka’s floods and landslides climbed top 180 on Monday, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said. The number increased with the discovery of more bodies of people buried in landslides, the DMC said. The DMC further said that 104 people were still listed as missing and that another 88 remained in hospital. Half a million Sri Lankans have been displaced by the island's worst flooding in more than a decade. The air force has deployed a dozen aircraft for mercy missions to evacuate marooned villagers as well as carry food and other essentials to the affected areas. The government said relief operations had intensified over the weekend following a break in the monsoon rains. However, the meteorological department said it expected more rain on Monday and Tuesday that could hamper relief operations. Floodwaters were receding in the worst affected districts of Ratnapura and Kalutara but the authorities said cleaning up operations could take weeks. Nearly 2,000 houses were damaged or destroyed. Sri Lanka has sought international assistance, with India sending two naval ships laden with supplies over the weekend. The Indian military has deployed helicopters, boats and amphibious vehicles to distribute aid pouring in from residents in areas unaffected by the floods. The flooding is the worst since May 2003 when 250 people were killed and 10,000 homes destroyed after a similarly powerful monsoon, officials said. (WION with inputs from AFP) Floods in Sri Lanka have killed more than 140 people as relief and rescue teams worked to help the half a million people affected by the worst torrential rains since 2003 (WION) ×

Sri Lanka floods, landslides: Death toll climbs to 180

Emergency teams rushed food and water Sunday to half a million Sri Lankans displaced by the island&#39;s worst flooding for more than a decade, as the death toll climbed to 151.

Government spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said relief operations had intensified following a break in the monsoon rains, with medical teams reinforcing hospitals in affected districts.

The official death toll had climbed to 151 with 111 people still listed as missing, Senaratne said. Another 95 were in hospital.

&quot;Aid is now getting into the remotest areas which remained inaccessible in the past two days,&quot; Senaratne told reporters, adding there were help lines people could call if they needed assistance.

Most victims were killed by landslides, not the flood waters, as their homes on hillsides were buried under torrents of mud and rock.

Nearly 2,000 houses were damaged or destroyed. Almost half a million people had been forced from their homes and were sheltering in government buildings or with friends and relatives.

The floods and landslides in the south and west of the island were the worst for 14 years.

Water levels in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka&#39;s gem district east of Colombo, had subsided but many villages in Kalutara south of the capital were still under water, officials said.

Residents in the south of the island also face the threat of crocodile attacks after a river known for its dangerous wildlife burst its banks overnight.

The charity Save the Children said about a tenth of those displaced were aged below five.&nbsp;

It raised fears of stagnant floodwater becoming breeding grounds for dengue-spreading mosquitos and noted that young children were more vulnerable.

Medical teams were sent to the worst-hit areas to help prevent an outbreak of waterborne diseases.

&quot;We have the expertise to deal with this situation,&quot; Senaratne said, adding cholera and diarrhoea had been successfully prevented in past floods.

The government withdrew an evacuation order for thousands of residents in the southern district of Matara as water levels subsided.

India ships aid 
 
The military has deployed helicopters,boats and &nbsp;amphibious vehicles to distribute aid pouring in from residents in areas unaffected by the floods.

The government appealed for bottled water, new clothes and dry rations for those displaced.

Sri Lanka has also sought international assistance, with India rushing a second naval ship laden with supplies.

The navy vessel Shardul called at Colombo on Sunday with a large consignment of medicines, inflatable boats and medical teams to join the relief operations.

The United Nations said it would donate water containers, water purification tablets and tarpaulin sheets while the World Health Organization will support medical teams in affected areas.

Pakistan said it was in talks with Colombo to send relief supplies. Islamabad recently gave 10,000 tonnes of rice to Sri Lanka to help drought victims.

The meteorological department said the rains ended a prolonged drought that had threatened agriculture as well as hydropower generation.

The flooding is the worst since May 2003 when 250 people were killed and 10,000 homes destroyed after a similarly powerful monsoon, officials said.

Monsoon rains last year caused flooding and landslides, killing more than 100 people. 
 
(AFP)

The navy vessel Shardul called at Colombo on Sunday with a large consignment of medicines, inflatable boats and medical teams to join the relief operations

Emergency teams rushed food and water Sunday to half a million Sri Lankans displaced by the island's worst flooding for more than a decade, as the death toll climbed to 151. Government spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said relief operations had intensified following a break in the monsoon rains, with medical teams reinforcing hospitals in affected districts. The official death toll had climbed to 151 with 111 people still listed as missing, Senaratne said. Another 95 were in hospital. "Aid is now getting into the remotest areas which remained inaccessible in the past two days," Senaratne told reporters, adding there were help lines people could call if they needed assistance. Most victims were killed by landslides, not the flood waters, as their homes on hillsides were buried under torrents of mud and rock. Nearly 2,000 houses were damaged or destroyed. Almost half a million people had been forced from their homes and were sheltering in government buildings or with friends and relatives. The floods and landslides in the south and west of the island were the worst for 14 years. Water levels in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka's gem district east of Colombo, had subsided but many villages in Kalutara south of the capital were still under water, officials said. Residents in the south of the island also face the threat of crocodile attacks after a river known for its dangerous wildlife burst its banks overnight. The charity Save the Children said about a tenth of those displaced were aged below five. It raised fears of stagnant floodwater becoming breeding grounds for dengue-spreading mosquitos and noted that young children were more vulnerable. Medical teams were sent to the worst-hit areas to help prevent an outbreak of waterborne diseases. "We have the expertise to deal with this situation," Senaratne said, adding cholera and diarrhoea had been successfully prevented in past floods. The government withdrew an evacuation order for thousands of residents in the southern district of Matara as water levels subsided. India ships aid The military has deployed helicopters,boats and amphibious vehicles to distribute aid pouring in from residents in areas unaffected by the floods. The government appealed for bottled water, new clothes and dry rations for those displaced. Sri Lanka has also sought international assistance, with India rushing a second naval ship laden with supplies. The navy vessel Shardul called at Colombo on Sunday with a large consignment of medicines, inflatable boats and medical teams to join the relief operations. The United Nations said it would donate water containers, water purification tablets and tarpaulin sheets while the World Health Organization will support medical teams in affected areas. Pakistan said it was in talks with Colombo to send relief supplies. Islamabad recently gave 10,000 tonnes of rice to Sri Lanka to help drought victims. The meteorological department said the rains ended a prolonged drought that had threatened agriculture as well as hydropower generation. The flooding is the worst since May 2003 when 250 people were killed and 10,000 homes destroyed after a similarly powerful monsoon, officials said. Monsoon rains last year caused flooding and landslides, killing more than 100 people. (AFP)

Sri Lanka steps up relief as monsoon toll exceeds 150

Sri Lanka stepped up its military-led relief operations Saturday as nearly half a million people were displaced after a monsoon deluge killed at least 122 people and threatened more flooding.

Rainfall on Friday triggered the worst flooding and landslides in 14 years in the southern and western parts of the island and although the rain eased on Saturday, low-lying areas remained under water, the authorities said.

The official Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said a total of 122 people were confirmed dead while 97 remained missing. Another 49 injured in landslides were hospitalised.&nbsp;

&quot;Most of the fatalities were due to landslides and only a very few drowned,&quot; said government spokesman Rajitha Senaratne who is also the health minister.

He said nearly 500,000 people were forced from their homes and most of them had moved into temporary shelters.

The military led search operations in landslide-hit areas and the airforce deployed five aircraft for rescue operations and another five to transport emergency supplies to villagers who could not be reached by road.

At the village of Bulathsinhala, relatives were seen loading coffins of 10 victims onto armoured personnel carriers to transport them across flooded streets to higher ground for burial.

The military vehicles also ferried villagers along roads converted into riverways by the rainfall, passing submerged traffic signs and flooded houses.

There were similar scenes in the adjoining Ratnapura district, the island&#39;s gem capital, which was also flooded. The authorities arranged funerals for dozens of victims.&nbsp;

The deluge caused the Nilwala river to burst its banks, threatening to submerge a large number of villages, the DMC said.

It warned thousands of villagers living near the Nilwala to evacuate to higher ground.

President Maithripala Sirisena, who returned from a state visit to Australia, travelled to Kalutara, one of the worst affected districts south of Colombo, to supervise relief operations.

&quot;The government will give new houses to those who lost their houses,&quot; he tweeted.

The authorities dropped thousands of life jackets for marooned people in a bid to protect them until they could be moved to safer ground.

International aid&nbsp;

An Indian naval ship equipped with medical supplies docked in Colombo Saturday and a second vessel was expected on Monday, Indian High Commissioner Taranjit Singh Sandhu said.

The United Nations said it will give water containers, water purification tablets and tarpaulin sheets while the World Health Organisation will support medical teams in affected areas.

Save the Children warned of a potential increase in dengue cases in the country.

The charity&#39;s Sri Lanka country director Chris McIvo said: &quot;We&#39;re particularly worried we could start seeing a further increase in the number of dengue cases because of the stagnant water that the floods will leave in their wake.&quot;

Pakistan said it was in talks with Colombo to send relief supplies. Islamabad recently gave 10,000 tonnes of rice to Sri Lanka to help drought victims.

The meterological&nbsp;department said the rains ended a prolonged drought that had threatened agriculture as well as hydropower generation.

The flooding is the worst since May 2003 when 250 people were killed and 10,000 homes destroyed after a similarly powerful monsoon, officials said.

Monsoon rains last year caused flooding and landslides, killing over 100 people.

(AFP)

Record monsoon rainfall has left 122 people dead in the island nation

Sri Lanka stepped up its military-led relief operations Saturday as nearly half a million people were displaced after a monsoon deluge killed at least 122 people and threatened more flooding. Rainfall on Friday triggered the worst flooding and landslides in 14 years in the southern and western parts of the island and although the rain eased on Saturday, low-lying areas remained under water, the authorities said. The official Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said a total of 122 people were confirmed dead while 97 remained missing. Another 49 injured in landslides were hospitalised. "Most of the fatalities were due to landslides and only a very few drowned," said government spokesman Rajitha Senaratne who is also the health minister. He said nearly 500,000 people were forced from their homes and most of them had moved into temporary shelters. The military led search operations in landslide-hit areas and the airforce deployed five aircraft for rescue operations and another five to transport emergency supplies to villagers who could not be reached by road. At the village of Bulathsinhala, relatives were seen loading coffins of 10 victims onto armoured personnel carriers to transport them across flooded streets to higher ground for burial. The military vehicles also ferried villagers along roads converted into riverways by the rainfall, passing submerged traffic signs and flooded houses. There were similar scenes in the adjoining Ratnapura district, the island's gem capital, which was also flooded. The authorities arranged funerals for dozens of victims. The deluge caused the Nilwala river to burst its banks, threatening to submerge a large number of villages, the DMC said. It warned thousands of villagers living near the Nilwala to evacuate to higher ground. President Maithripala Sirisena, who returned from a state visit to Australia, travelled to Kalutara, one of the worst affected districts south of Colombo, to supervise relief operations. "The government will give new houses to those who lost their houses," he tweeted. The authorities dropped thousands of life jackets for marooned people in a bid to protect them until they could be moved to safer ground. International aid An Indian naval ship equipped with medical supplies docked in Colombo Saturday and a second vessel was expected on Monday, Indian High Commissioner Taranjit Singh Sandhu said. The United Nations said it will give water containers, water purification tablets and tarpaulin sheets while the World Health Organisation will support medical teams in affected areas. Save the Children warned of a potential increase in dengue cases in the country. The charity's Sri Lanka country director Chris McIvo said: "We're particularly worried we could start seeing a further increase in the number of dengue cases because of the stagnant water that the floods will leave in their wake." Pakistan said it was in talks with Colombo to send relief supplies. Islamabad recently gave 10,000 tonnes of rice to Sri Lanka to help drought victims. The meterological department said the rains ended a prolonged drought that had threatened agriculture as well as hydropower generation. The flooding is the worst since May 2003 when 250 people were killed and 10,000 homes destroyed after a similarly powerful monsoon, officials said. Monsoon rains last year caused flooding and landslides, killing over 100 people. (AFP)

Sri Lanka steps up rescue op as monsoon deluge death toll mounts

India has sent navy ships with rescue and relief material to Sri Lanka, where torrential rains and landslides have resulted in several deaths and massive devastation over the last two days.

INS Kirch operating in South Bay of Bengal has been diverted to Colombo in Sri Lanka to render immediate assistance in flood relief operations.

According to reports, the ship will enter Colombo anytime soon.

Additionally, INS Jalashwan shall sail out from Visakhapatnam today with HADR (Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief) stores which include victualling, clothing, medicines and water.

The ship will also carry medical and diving teams along with Gemini crafts and helicopters to assist in relief operations at Colombo.

She is likely to reach late morning or by noon tomorrow.

On the other hand, INS Shardul with relief material medical and diving teams leaves Kochi at 7 am.

It will arrive in Colombo tonight.

Other assets standing by at short notice to render assistance as required.

Heavy rains in the southern and western parts of the country have destroyed hundreds of homes and cut off several roads.

Landslides and floods killed at least 91 people in Sri Lanka on Friday, the Disaster Management Centre said.

Nearly 50,000 people across 13 districts in the southern parts of the island were affected and about 8,000 of them had to be evacuated from

Kalutara, a coastal city some 40 km south of Colombo, among the worst hit.

Last May, Sri Lanka experienced severe floods in which at least a 100 people died.&nbsp;

(ANI)

Additionally, INS Jalashwan shall sail out from Visakhapatnam today with HADR (Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief) stores

India has sent navy ships with rescue and relief material to Sri Lanka, where torrential rains and landslides have resulted in several deaths and massive devastation over the last two days. INS Kirch operating in South Bay of Bengal has been diverted to Colombo in Sri Lanka to render immediate assistance in flood relief operations. According to reports, the ship will enter Colombo anytime soon. Additionally, INS Jalashwan shall sail out from Visakhapatnam today with HADR (Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief) stores which include victualling, clothing, medicines and water. The ship will also carry medical and diving teams along with Gemini crafts and helicopters to assist in relief operations at Colombo. She is likely to reach late morning or by noon tomorrow. On the other hand, INS Shardul with relief material medical and diving teams leaves Kochi at 7 am. It will arrive in Colombo tonight. Other assets standing by at short notice to render assistance as required. Heavy rains in the southern and western parts of the country have destroyed hundreds of homes and cut off several roads. Landslides and floods killed at least 91 people in Sri Lanka on Friday, the Disaster Management Centre said. Nearly 50,000 people across 13 districts in the southern parts of the island were affected and about 8,000 of them had to be evacuated from Kalutara, a coastal city some 40 km south of Colombo, among the worst hit. Last May, Sri Lanka experienced severe floods in which at least a 100 people died. (ANI)

Indian Navy joins flood relief operations in Sri Lanka

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